Cape Fisterra and its lighthouse

The cape closes the long Fisterra peninsula to the south, about 3 km from the town along the lighthouse road. For centuries it was held to be the end of the world, Finis Terrae: beyond it, people believed, there was only an abyss of water where the sun went out each night. Today it is the traditional end of the pilgrims' road that continues from Santiago to the sea, and the place everyone climbs to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.

The lighthouse

At the top is the lighthouse, from 1853, 138 metres above the sea: an octagonal tower with the keeper's house, which Turismo de Galicia presents as the westernmost lighthouse in Europe and, in all likelihood, the most visited on the continent. Its light reaches up to 65 km out to sea to warn of a dangerous coast. In 1888 a foghorn was added that the town calls the Fisterra cow, for its lowing. Beside the lighthouse, the tribute square is dedicated to General San Martín and is called Plaza de la República Argentina.

What you see

From the cape you see the open ocean, the Corcubión estuary, the Carnota coast and the granite massif of Mount Pindo. On clear days, according to Turismo de Galicia, you can see south as far as the Portuguese border. At sunset the sun goes down over the sea, which is why in summer the esplanade fills with people.

Getting there

You reach it along the C-550 road from the town, well signposted, on foot, by car or by bus. By car, there is parking beside the lighthouse; in summer and at sunset it fills up, so go up early. On foot it is about 3 km from the town along the road, uphill all the way; bring something warm for the wind at the top. The Fisterra tourist office, on the seafront, gives information about the route.

Look out with care: the rocks are slippery, the wind blows hard and there are no fences along the whole edge. With children, hold their hands near the edge, and keep dogs on a lead.

What to combine

Before going up, go down to the harbour: the fish market has a space from which you can watch the fish auctions, and next to it is the San Carlos castle and its fishing museum. For lunch, O Fragón looks over the estuary from the top of the town and Tira do Cordel is above Langosteira beach. In the morning, the Ézaro waterfall is on the way.